The Opportunity

This interdisciplinary PhD project between IT and the social sciences will explore the development of computational approaches for detecting and analysing misogynistic backlash ecosystems across social media and online platforms. The project will use natural language processing (NLP), large language models (LLMs), and network analysis to identify coordinated harassment, anti-gender equality mobilisation, extremist misogyny and violence-supportive discourse, and examine how these narratives emerge, spread, and intensify across digital environments.

The successful applicant may examine such questions as: How can AI systems reliably identify implicit and evolving forms of misogynistic discourse beyond explicit hate speech? What computational measures can be developed to detect misogyny, benevolent sexism, violence-supportive attitudes and coordinated harassment at scale? How can benchmark datasets be constructed to support robust and explainable AI models for online safety research? How do misogynistic narratives and communities spread across platforms and respond to social and political events?

The project is particularly suited to computational methodologies, including natural language processing, large language models, machine learning, network analysis, social media analytics, and large-scale analysis of online discourse and communities.

This PhD scholarship will be based within the Faculties of Information Technology and Arts at Monash University, the largest university in Australia which regularly ranks in the top 50 universities worldwide, and housed within the Monash AI Institute (MAI) and the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), the world's first Centre to tackle the full range of forms of violence against women in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.

The MAI is a premier hub for AI and data science research in the Asia-Pacific, focused on advancing AI for real-world impact. It brings together experts from computer science, engineering, data science and domain fields, such as healthcare, climate science and social systems to develop innovative AI methods and applications. The institute emphasises responsible, ethical and human-centred AI, while fostering close collaboration with industry, government and international partners. MAI supports cutting-edge research, postgraduate training and translation of AI technologies into practical solutions addressing complex global challenges.

The ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW) focuses on the structural drivers that cause and compound violence against women, pioneering new, evidence-based approaches to inform trajectory-altering practice and policy. CEVAW's interdisciplinary research is data-driven, Indigenous and survivor centred and co-designed with partners. Headquartered at Monash University, CEVAW brings together world-leading experts across the legal, security, economic, health and political systems of Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, including 14 chief investigators at seven Australian institutions, 15 partner investigators worldwide, 33 partner organisations and over 100 HDR students and postdoctoral fellows. With almost $50M investment from the ARC and contributing organisations, CEVAW is poised to make a significant, global impact.

This project will be supported by a multidisciplinary team, including Professor Reza Haffari, Vice-Chancellor's Distinguished Professor Jacqui True, Vice-Chancellor's Distinguished Professor Asher Flynn, Dr Trang Vu and Dr Katie Buchhorn.

Candidate Requirements

Candidates with backgrounds in computer science, information technology, statistics, mathematics, computational linguistics, data science or related fields are encouraged to apply. A strong interest in interdisciplinary research and a commitment to addressing complex social harms and insecurity are essential. Experience in natural language processing, machine learning, large language models, network analysis, social network analysis, computational social science, social media analytics or large-scale text analysis will be considered favourably.

In its assessment, the selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honours or Master's degree (both in a relevant field), with a significant research component and with first-class honours/H1 awarded.

Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of IT are available at www.monash.edu/it/research/graduate-research/apply. Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether they should apply. If you have any questions on the application requirements for a PhD at Monash University, please reach out to the IT Graduate Office on f***@***********.***.

Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

The successful applicant will be expected to enrol by 1 March 2027, with a preference for the applicant to commence in late 2026.

Enquiries

To apply for this position, before you submit an application, you must first contact Dr Katie Buchhorn on k***@*********** to discuss your interest. Applications submitted without first contacting the lead supervisor may not be considered.

How to Apply

Applications shall comprise:

A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
A brief Research Proposal that fits within the project aims and objectives, and demonstrates some understanding of the area of research
A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience
A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
Names and contact details of two academic referees

Once you have discussed your proposal with Dr Katie Buchhorn, please submit your application via My.App:

Select Admission Only as the Application Type
Select 'Yes' to indicate that you are applying for a scholarship for this research and enter 'PhD Scholarship at the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: AI Detection of Misogynistic Backlash Ecosystems' as the scholarship you are applying for under Research Program.

Application Close: Monday 10 August 2026, 11:55pm AEST

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PhD Scholarship - AI Detection of Misogynistic Backlash Ecosystems